Orkney ‘Sea Stacks and Sea Cliffs’ trip 2015

PublishedJuly 26, 2015

We had another great trip exploring the sea cliffs of Orkney recently. We climbed on Orkney itself, South Ronaldsay, Hoy and the Caithness coast. Lots of brilliant routes climbed and the highlight was an ascent of the Old Man of Hoy and the visit to Rackwick Bay. Another great trip to a truly unspoiled area with amazing climbing!

‘Having spend three days in the mountains with Paddy I’ve got to say he’s the best guide I’ve ever worked with. Everything was pitched perfectly for my individual level - the choice of climbs, the balance between learning and mileage on the crag, all suited my level of experience. In three days I went from never having climbed trad to leading VD, seconding HVS+ and ticking off a classic mountain route, all thanks to Paddy’s professionalism and enthusiasm. Can’t wait to get out there again!’

'I spent two of my most enjoyable mountain days ever with Mountain Circles, climbing Napes Needle and Pillar Rock in the Lake District. Paddy Cave's an absolutely awesome instructor who's been to the kind of places and climbed the kind of mountains I can only ever dream of. I'm no expert climber, but myself and the rest of the Trail team felt totally safe and confident on the rock thanks to the expert instruction we received, and we can't wait for our next adventure with Mountain Circles. Keep up the good work guys!'

Richard Skye Munros and Mountaineering Course

Paddy Cave guided me for four days on Skye. He has huge skill and experience; he kept me safe and taught me new techniques. In addition, he is great to talk to, with fascinating accounts of mountains and mountaineering.

I would recommend Paddy as a guide whether you're into hill walking or ice climbing. I've followed Paddy's lead all over Scotland for the last two years, both winter and summer. He always finds routes that push me enough to make them really memorable. With his advice and vigourous encouragement, I have safely made it up routes I thought beyond me. Looking forward to the next trip. !

'Paddy oozes enthusiasm and inspires confidence to challenge yourself to achieve things that you didn’t think possible. A winter skills course led to mountaineering skills then rock climbing and now we’re off full Scottish winter mountaineering'.

I have worked with a lot of good instructors in the lakes over an 18 year period and Paddy stood out by miles. He doesn't just get on with the activity you have chosen, he is genuinely interested on what you or your group want to achieve. He takes the time to listen to you on what you want. Since our first meeting I have always booked Paddy and will continue to do so.
No matter whether it is Gorge Scrambling, Climbing, Abseiling, Canyoning, ML training, Paddy will go out of his way to make sure you or your group have a good experience. He will try to tailor make a good day from the budget you have and he gets his buzz seeing you or you group of people achieve no matter what the age.

I have no hesitation in recommending Paddy Cave and his team to any individual or group who want a good time in the outdoors.
Just give him a ring or email him!

StephenLancaster University Hiking Club - Winter Skills Course

'Extremely knowledgeable, fun and well delivered, the course was tailor-made to whatever one wanted to know, a great experience'.

BenLancaster University Hiking Club - Winter Skills Course

Through Paddy’s tuition I’m so confident in my ice axe arrests I relish falling off steep edges so I can put the skills into practice.

Paddy has delivered Winter Skills courses to our club for a number of years. They've always proved completely invaluable, not just in terms of the personal satisfaction and enjoyment our members get out of learning such skills under the knowledgeable and experienced tuition Paddy offers, but also because of the new skills those members then go on to bring to the rest of the club, enhancing and making safer all of our winter mountain experiences.

RogerIntroduction to Ice and Mixed Climbing

Having now just spent four Scottish winter days on a variety of climbs and ridges with Paddy from Aviemore to Glencoe and the Ben, I feel privileged to have experienced such an atmospheric environment in the safety and direction of a true professional; with lasting memories until next winter’s challenge!